There is much debate, dating back to the 1950s, regarding chelation and improving cardiovascular disease. Smaller studies have shown its benefit in the past and many still believe the risk to outweigh the benefit. However, in review of the literature, the risks occurred mainly when too large of a dose or too fast of an infusion of medication (Disodium EDTA) was used. In my opinion, chelation appeared to benefit patients. In some studies, various symptoms have been seen to improve in children with attention deficit disorders, autism, and developmental delay and in adults with cardiovascular, neurologic, and mood disorders. It has long been known that mercury and heavy metals can build up in our tissues displacing important co-factors that our enzymes need to work efficiently; this displacement can possibly lead to disease. EDTA Chelation Therapy, and its effect on improving cardiovascular disease, is thought to be due to removal of calcium from the vessels. However, as further research ensues, it appears to not just decrease thickening inside the blood vessels, it also removes free radicals and reduces the oxidative stress that causes a plaque to rupture; it would appear that it increases Nitric Oxide directly. This tiny molecule controls blood flow to the entire body.

Now with the recent TACT study (the Trail to Access Chelation Therapy) by Dr. Tony Lamas, we have more evidence of its benefit on improving the outcome of cardiovascular patients. This was a double blind, multicenter study with 1700 subjects who were followed for 55 months. The subjects were mainly white men who had at least one heart attack; 50% were obese and 32% were diabetics. The chelation group, especially the diabetic group, had fewer cardiovascular events compared to the group who did not receive the therapy. This study met the criteria for acceptance in the medical community. Chelation is closer to being thought of as an evidenced-based treatment. Although more research is needed, as it always is, I definitely believe when done correctly, the benefit outweighs the risk and now we finally have acceptable evidence!